Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Hamilton, NY & Jersey City, NJ
When students choose between Saint Peter's University and Colgate University, they're choosing between fundamentally different educational missions. Saint Peter's serves predominantly low-income, first-generation students in urban Jersey City, with 54% receiving Pell grants and 48% being first-generation college students.
Colgate serves affluent students in rural Hamilton, New York, with just 13% Pell recipients. These aren't comparable institutions competing for the same students — they serve different populations with different needs and circumstances.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$15,000
federal loans
$20,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$59,463
borrowed by parents
$21,923
borrowed by parents
Saint Peter's is predominantly business-focused, with 25% of graduates earning degrees in business fields. Top programs include Biology (80 graduates), Business Administration (56), and Criminal Justice (53).
Colgate emphasizes social sciences, with 34% of graduates in these fields. Its largest programs include Economics (133 graduates), Political Science (79), and Computer Science (53).
These program concentrations reflect different career preparation approaches — Saint Peter's focuses on practical professional training, while Colgate emphasizes liberal arts education that often leads to graduate school.
For students from low-income backgrounds seeking strong career outcomes with manageable debt, Saint Peter's delivers exceptional institutional value — producing earnings $16,285 beyond demographic predictions while keeping costs reasonable. Colgate offers higher raw earnings and graduation rates, making it the better choice for academically prepared students from affluent families who can manage the significantly higher investment.
The data reveals these aren't competing options but different pathways serving different student populations. Saint Peter's excels at economic mobility for first-generation students, while Colgate provides traditional liberal arts excellence for already-privileged students.
Choose based on your background, preparation, and family financial capacity, not a simple comparison of outcomes.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
